Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

Q: Why are there certain rooms that are too cold or too hot in my home?

A: If some of the rooms in your home are comfortable while others are not, you may have a ductwork problem. In many cases, ductwork can be easily modified to accommodate dampers, deflectors and other means of balancing uneven air flow.

Q: Will I really be able to see a difference on my gas and electric bill by switching to a 93% efficient furnace?

A: Yes, new variable speed motors only use the equivalent of one 75 watt light bulb. Customers who have switched to a 90% or greater furnace have reported up to $100 per month savings. How could you use an extra $100 every month?

Q: How often should I change the air filter in my furnace and why?

A: Manufacturer’s recommend changing the air filter in your furnace every 30 days. Your HVAC system circulates air through your home, pulling it in through your “return” air vents (along with dirt and dust), through the filter (where that dirt and dust are caught), and then back out into your home through the “supply” vents. If your filter is clogged with the accumulated dirt and dust, the air cannot pass through as efficiently and your furnace or AC will try to work overtime to make up for the loss of “forced” air to properly heat or cool each room. This causes unnecessary wear to your HVAC system as well as an increase in your gas and electric bill.

Additional tip: To ensure efficiency of your HVAC system, wipe down your vent covers once a month to help keep air flowing freely and have your furnace and AC units cleaned/serviced annually.

Q: What does natural gas smell like?

A: Natural gas is odorless, but manufacturers add trace amounts of a chemical called cercaptan, which has a distinctive rotten egg or sulfur-like odor. It smells bad for a good reason! In case of a leak, you need to be able to detect and identify it. If you think that your home has a gas leak, DO NOT try to fix it! Immediately vacate the house and call the Excel gas emergency line, which is 1-800-895-2999 or even 911.

If you don’t notice anything obviously wrong, make sure all the burners on your gas stove are turned off.

If the stove is off and you suspect a leak, don’t turn on the lights. That could lead to a spark, which could cause an explosion.

Open all the doors and windows to ventilate the house.

If you suddenly notice your grass or shrubs have changed color, looking more brown or rusty, that could be a sign of an exterior leak.

If you have turned the gas off in your home, do not try to turn it back on yourself; call the gas company to do that for you.

Q: What does BTU stand for?

A: The British thermal unit (BTU) is a traditional unit of energy. 1 BTU is the amount of energy needed to cool or heat one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. When it comes to heating and cooling systems, the more BTU’s you have, the faster your house will be heated or cooled.

Q: What is a SEER?

A: SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. A SEER measures the ratio of cooling capacity to power input, and the higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner.

Q: Should I be concerned about indoor air quality?

A: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), your exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. Southglenn carries a wide variety of indoor air quality products that handle pollutants, humidity and other issues that may improve your health.

Q: How long can I expect a new HVAC system to last?

A: With professional installation and the regular preventative maintenance and service suggested for your unit by a qualified technician, industry averages suggest that an air conditioner should last 12 -15 years and a gas furnace should last as many as 20-25 years.